華嚴經探玄記 1.9

1.9

Second, "due to the power of vows": this means that due to the power of the Tathāgata's original vows, he causes this teaching to be manifested in accordance with capacities. Therefore, the "Chapter on Rocana" states: "In the lands of the ten directions, / In all oceans of worlds, / By the sovereignty of the Buddha's vow-power, / The turning of the dharmacakra is universally manifested." It also states: "Due to Rocana Buddha's supernatural power, / He turns the dharmacakra in all lands; / The sound of Samantabhadra Bodhisattva's vows / Pervades all oceans of worlds." Explanation: This means that this sūtra encompasses the empty space of the dharmadhātu in the ten directions, equals all worlds, and is simultaneously expounded within all lands inside dust motes—all of this is brought about by the vow-power of the fundamental teacher. Therefore, the beginnings of the subsequent assemblies all state: "Due to Rocana Buddha's original vow-power." Furthermore, a verse in the "Chapter on the Assembly of Clouds" states: "For immeasurable and innumerable kalpas, / This Dharma is extremely difficult to encounter; / If there are those who get to hear it, / You should know it is by the power of his original vows." Explanation: This shows that it is due to the Buddha's vow-power that the assembly is able to hear it. It also states: "The Tathāgata does not appear in the world, / Nor does he enter nirvāṇa; / Through the power of his great original vows, / He manifests sovereign dharmas."